I was just checking my regular newsletter and I really got amazed after I read this news that Microsoft is offering free Windows 7 phone to Indian student , developers. First I thought its just a fake because lot of time I used to get fake messages from peoples about Microsoft give away, but this time its no joke. Microsoft is really giving away free Windows 7 phone.

Actually, Microsoft India has launched a new program called “I Unlock Joy” to promote its new Windows Mobile 7.5 operating system, also called as “Mango”.

Microsoft’s program, “I Unlock Joy” offers lot of freebies to student developers which include a free Windows 7 Phone as well. Students above 17 years who are members of Microsoft’s Dream Spark Program are allowed to participate in this “I Unlock Joy” program. They eligible student will get a brand new Windows Phone.

However if you are not qualified to get Windows Phone, Microsoft is offering freebies like , Windows Phone T-shirts, 2GB flash pen drive along with the merit certificate.

How to Participate in “I Unlock Joy” Program?

1. Go to Microsoft website and register for “I Unlock Joy” program or you can simply go through this link : http://www.microsoft.com/india/student/windowsphone/register.html before 18^th November 2011.
2. Download Windows Mobile Phone Developer Tool (Latest Version) from www.msdn.com.
3. You should now try to develop at least 4 applications and submit it at the following link: http://create.msdn.com/home/about/app_submission_walkthrough. The application is then certified and listed on the Windows Phone Marketplace.
4. Now you are allowed to fill out the form with your application details to claim the freebies.

Eligibility Criteria to Participate in “I Unlock Joy” Program

• You should be 18 years old or older.
• You should have actively enrolled as a student at an recognized educational institution that grants high school or college level degrees for at east 3 months (Example: NIIT) between 1^st January 2011 and 18^th November 2011.
• You should not be an employee or intern of Microsoft Corporation (India) Pvt. Ltd or Microsoft Corporation, or any of their affiliations.
• You should be registered member of Microsoft Dream Spark Program.

So if you are student application developer and building your career in institutes like NIIT, here is a great chance to utilize your brain and build some useful apps for Windows Phone 7.